Dynamic speed limit system

The present invention relates generally to information processing systems and more particularly to a methodology and implementation for adjusting posted speed limits based upon the presence of workers in a predetermined area.

Driving through long construction zones with reduced speed limits is frustrating particularly when no construction workers are in the immediate vicinity. This type of scenario is particularly true for highway construction where the zones are often miles long. Typically the workers are isolated on a given part of the highway and yet the speed limit is needlessly enforced for the entire construction zone. Construction zones would be less frustrating for travelers if the traveler would be permitted to travel at more appropriate speeds when workers are not present in the immediate area.

Thus there is a need for an improved methodology and implementing system which enables an automatic or dynamic adjustment of a posted highway speed limit depending upon the detected presence of highway construction workers.

A method, medium and implementing processing system are provided in which the presence of workers in a long highway construction zone is monitored and the electronically-controlled posted speed limit is adjusted in accordance with the detected presence of workers in the immediate area. In an example, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) scanners or readers are strategically placed in a construction or working area. Such RFID reading devices may be embedded, for example, in construction speed limit signs. The displayed speed limit is controlled by the detected proximity of construction workers wearing RFID-embedded clothing, for example, such as safety vests or helmets. The speed limit sign includes logic to display one of many possible speed limit displays based on the nearest, and/or the number of RFID signals detected in a given area. Vehicular traffic is thereby enabled to travel faster through construction zones where no workers are present and, when appropriate, traffic is slowed when workers are present within a given proximity of the RFID reading devices.

The various methods discussed herein may be implemented, within a video broadcast system which may include, inter alia, transmission encoding and user de-coding processing systems, a transmission and receiving system, and a user system which may include, inter alia, a user processing device, memory, memory controller and storage and display means. Since the individual components of a transmission and receiving system which may be used to implement the functions used in practicing the present invention are generally known in the art and composed of electronic components and circuits which are also generally known to those skilled in the art, circuit details beyond those shown are not specified to any greater extent than that considered necessary as illustrated, for the understanding and appreciation of the underlying concepts of the present invention and in order not to obfuscate or distract from the teachings of the present invention. Although the invention is illustrated in the context of a television broadcasting and receiving system, it is understood that the principles of the invention may be implemented in any of many available and future broadcast and communication devices and systems, including but not limited to personal reception devices, hand-held personal computer devices and cell phone and other wireless communication devices which may be implemented with RFID or similar presence-detection devices or systems.

In an exemplary embodiment, RFID readers are positioned along the construction/roadway so that the reading areas of the readers overlap such as illustrated in FIG. 2. In the example illustrated, the RFID readers are included within speed limit signs although it is understood that the RFID readers may also be placed in construction zone “cones” or even embedded into the road surface from which worker or individual presence information may be acquired and transmitted to a system for controlling speed limit displays which are visible to motorists traveling along the construction area. By placing the RFID readers with overlapping reading areas the entire area of construction may be covered providing an overlap from one RFID reader to the next. When positioned in this fashion a car traveling along the road near RZ1 may see one speed limit while another car along the same construction path but near RZ3 may see an entirely different speed limited based upon the RFID signals being read by the RFID detectors in the speed limit signs in the driver\'s particular area of travel. Construction workers are required to wear brightly colored safety vests and helmets while present in the construction area. Embedding RFID devices into the vest and/or helmet provides information for the RFID readers that a worker is within a given range of the reader. Additionally, by putting multiple RFID readers at the same location with different range capabilities, more detailed positional information can be acquired and used to change the speed limit as well.